Babcock and LIG D&A deepen frigate and autonomous systems partnership

Babcock has entered into a Strategic Cooperation Agreement with LIG Defence & Aerospace (LIG D&A) to strengthen defence industrial collaboration, particularly on autonomous weapons systems and frigate design.

The two companies are going to explore a number of areas of opportunity to jointly develop and deliver a range of solutions for global markets.

Key areas of collaboration will include creation of an AH-140 frigate concept featuring LIG equipment, development of launchers and precision-guided munitions, MRO and integration of LIG D&A into Babcock’s global supply chain. It will also cover robotics, autonomous and unmanned systems.

Sir Nick Hine, Chief Growth Officer, Babcock, said: “Together, the companies offer a credible and compelling proposition for partnership, combining complementary capabilities, deep engineering expertise and global reach to pursue opportunities in key international markets. We are exploring a number of immediate and longer-term opportunities that we believe will bring significant value.”

Extending global reach

The partnership will underpin an MoU signed in November 2024, to drive innovation and address the evolving needs of defence and security worldwide.

Dr Hans Lee, President of the Global Business Group at LIG Defense & Aerospace, said: “This strategic cooperation agreement will serve as a pivotal turning point for securing new competitiveness in the global market.

“We will continue to expand our partnership to provide differentiated, integrated defence solutions to customers worldwide.”

Babcock has a long-standing presence in South Korea through Babcock Korea, with an assembly, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Busan supporting Republic of Korea Navy programmes, including supplying its Weapon Handling and Launch System (WHLS) for South Korea’s KSS-III submarine programme.